PPV’s Beary Special Build-A-Bear Experience for Children with Vision Loss

(Torrance, California – October 12, 2025)

Smiles, laughter, and excitement filled the air at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Del Amo Fashion Center as children with vision loss and their families and volunteer peer buddies came together to share the fun of making bears. Vistas for Children, Inc. generously sponsors the workshop making it possible for every child to create and take home a customized bear.

The store opens two hours early allowing for a quieter experience that is less overwhelming for our children with visual impairment. Families had time to meet one another, snap photos, and share smiles as they celebrated their new furry friends.

This year, we were thrilled to welcome volunteers from Junior Vistas, the children's philanthropy affiliated with Vistas for Children, Inc. and the National Charity League, Peninsula Chapter (NCL) — a mother-daughter organization that joined in to help make the experience unforgettable.

Upon arrival, each child was greeted by a volunteer and guided to the Build-A-Bear

counter to select their unstuffed bear.

Together, they embarked on the full Build-A-Bear experience, from stepping on the stuffing pedal to bring their new friend to life, to choosing a sound (favorites included Moana, Frozen, and even Batman tunes), and finally placing a heart inside after making a special wish. The joy on each child’s face as they hugged their newly “alive” bear said it all.

Families then headed to the wash station, where little hands helped “bathe” their bears before picking out outfits and accessories that reflected their personalities. 

Each bear received a birth certificate, a pair of mini glasses donated by PPV’s Parent

Support Group Facilitator, Janice Goldhaber, MFT, and a tiny white cane handcrafted by PPV’s Family Specialist, Heather Dawson. These heartfelt touches made each bear as unique as its creator.

Many of our families were attending a PPV event for the first time, creating an especially meaningful opportunity to connect with others in the community. A touching highlight of the day was seeing siblings step in to help their brothers or sisters with visual impairments alongside volunteers, making it a true family affair.

Events like this do more than build bears — they build confidence, joy, and community. Partners for Pediatric Vision extends heartfelt thanks to Vistas for Children, Inc. for sponsoring this event and to Junior Vistas and National Charity League, Peninsula Chapter for their time and support.

With continued support from our community partners, individual donors, foundation grants and volunteers, PPV will keep creating experiences that empower children with visual impairment. Help Give the Gift of Sight and empower children with visual impairment to overcome barriers and thrive.

PPV Staff: Heather, Mackenzie, Evelin, Belinda and Diane